Council Services

Amnesty on footpath trading fees

25 Feb 2015
12:22 PM -

Renee Fraser and Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Michael Johnsen outside the Reject Shop in Scone which is approved and licensed to place temporary items on the Council footpath

Businesses in the Upper Hunter Shire are encouraged to take advantage
of an amnesty on fees for placing items on Council footpaths, if they apply before
30 June 2015.

Upper Hunter businesses using temporary structures on footpaths,
including as A-frames, display stands and tables and chairs, are required to be
approved and licensed to follow state and local laws that protect public
safety.

The current cost is $180 for application fees and $42 for annual
licence fees.

At an ordinary general meeting of Council this week it was agreed to
waive application fees and associated annual licence fees applying to the
display or placement of items on Council footpaths, for applications received
by the end of the 2014/2015 financial year.

Council’s Footpath Trading Policy ensures pedestrians, particularly the
elderly or those with a disability, are not endangered or inconvenienced by the
temporary structures while allowing vendors to improve their public exposure
and adding to the attractiveness, amenity and vibrancy of shopping precincts.

The policy also covers the
number, location, and style of signs, pot plants, display stands and tables and
chairs including maximum sizes and weights.

Businesses using temporary structures on footpaths are required to
have a minimum $20 million Public Liability Insurance. Insurance policies must
also note Upper Hunter Shire Council as an interested party.

Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Michael Johnsen said businesses that were
using footpaths without approval should take the opportunity to obtain licences
for free and comply with Council’s Footpath Trading Policy.

“We want a vibrant, engaging environment on our streets but also
ensure everyone can get around safely,” he said.

Council is writing to Upper Hunter
businesses to inform them of their obligations under the Footpath Trading
Policy.

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Upper Hunter Shire Council is a local government authority and provides an extensive array of services including health and building; town planning; aged care; sporting and recreational facilities; roads; libraries; garbage collection; airport facilities; saleyards; public venues; water; children, youth and families and tourist information.

About Us

Upper Hunter Shire is located in the Hunter Region of NSW, approximately 250km north of Sydney. The Shire is predominantly rural and encompasses 8,100km2.